28 August 2016

Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukokusaikenki. Arc 3 Chapter 2A

DISCLAIMER: There is no guarantee that my translation is 100%
correct. Please correct me if I was wrong.

Translator:

Yukkuri Oniisan

Editor, Proofreader:

So-Chintzy

Postwar Arc

Chapter 2: In the Town A

One month had passed since Elfrieden Kingdom’s Army
had captured Amidonia Dukedom’s capital city 『Van』. At first, Van’s Citizens thought that the occupation would be harsh. However,
since Souma strictly supervised the soldiers’ conduct, the city’s public order
was actually much better than before the occupation started. Thanks to the
distribution of the Susanna’s root dumplings, the fear of hunger had also disappeared.
The Citizens’ wariness gradually wore down. The people that could fan the wind
of rebellion: The Nobles and The Knights, had mostly escaped from the city
already. Nowadays, the city’s atmosphere had become completely pacified.

It would have been alright if it was only pacified,
but Souma’s broadcast of the 『Music Show』 had ignited the artistic passion of Van’s citizens. It was to the point that
troubadours sang on street corners, performers played their instruments or
performed their street acts on the road. Furthermore, an increasing number of
the houses quickly became vividly covered with colorful paints or had one of their
walls decorated with a painting of the beautiful faces of the Lorelei Three
Divas, Anchorwoman Chris, or the Program Host Aisha. It had became an
uncontrolled situation. It had reached a point where it was difficult to
believe that this town was a military town just one month ago.

What happened in Van was what Souma coined to be an 『Amidonian Renaissance』. It’s just… the sudden change
had caused a chaotic situation, so everyday there were disputes occurring as
performers competed for the same street spot. The three armies: the Army, the Navy
and the Air Force, that were camped outside the city, could only pity their
comrades, the Royal Army’s King’s Guard that was stationed inside the city and tasked
to settle those kinds of disputes. But then again, these disputes weren’t
something that could lead to a large-scale rebellion, so Van was generally very
peaceful.

◇ ◇ ◇

「P-princessss~!」(Aisha)

「Kya~!」(Liscia)

However, on that day, there was a piercing voice. At
that morning, Liscia was in her room that she used as a dressing room, and then,
without even a single knock, Aisha hurriedly rushed into the room. Her sudden
appearance made Liscia stand still from surprise, but Liscia remembered that
she was in the middle of changing and was half-naked. Then, she put on her
usual military uniform while throwing questions at Aisha.

「What happened, Aisha? Why are you that panicked?」(Liscia)

「T-that is because…… His Majesty…… His Majesty has……」(Aisha)

Perhaps because Aisha was out of breath, her speech was
disordered.

「Calm down. Now, take a deep breath.」(Liscia)

「Y-yes…… Hu-…...fuuh~」(Aisha)

Just like how Liscia suggested, Aisha took a deep
breath and finally calmed down.

「So, what’s wrong with Souma?」(Liscia)

「Yes, actually, when I visited His Majesty to give my morning greeting, I
entered the government affairs office that His Majesty utilized as his personal
room, however, His Majesty was nowhere to be seen…… Then, there was a letter
that he had left behind.」(Aisha)

Aisha held out a sheet of paper, which Liscia received
and read. It was written with these words: 『I will go for a journey. Please don’t look for me. Souma Kazuya』[1]. When Liscia put her hand on her forehead and sighed, Aisha became panicked
again.

「W-what should we do? We need to quickly find him or-」(Aisha)

「That’s why I told you to calm down. Today is Souma’s day off.」(Liscia)

「Eh? Day off?」(Aisha)

「That’s right.」(Liscia)

Liscia nodded towards Aisha who made a blank
expression.

「Since he had been swamped by work lately, his mental condition is barely
holding on the edge, so I advised him to take a day off. I also received
Hakuya’s proper permission. Also, since Souma was saying something unhealthy
like 『Then I will be relaxing in my room and creating dolls』, I asked Tomoe to forcibly drag him out to the outside.」(Liscia)

「I didn’t hear any of this! Am I not His Majesty’s bodyguard!? Why was I not
informed of this!?」(Aisha)

Aisha’s eyes became teary. Lishia shrugged her
shoulders and shook her head.

「Because you are too conspicuous. This is a country centered on the Human
Race, so Dark Elves are naturally rare, plus your face was also broadcasted a
few days ago, so you aren’t suited for travelling incognito.」(Liscia)

「However, this place is former enemy territory, right!? If something
happened to His Majesty and Tomoe, then……」(Aisha)

「Don’t worry. Souma and Tomoe disguised themselves, furthermore they are
shadowed by Juna-san and elite Marines to protect them, so they will be safe.」(Liscia)

「Juna-dono is also together with them? In that case, it will surely be…
safe……」(Aisha)

Aisha stopped her words as she remembered Juna’s
mature smile. Juna is Aisha’s concept of an ideal woman. Beautiful, elegant,
strong, and kind; a wonderful person who makes anyone unconsciously go: “Ah, I
want to be like her.” However…… be that as it may, while being reminded by
Juna’s smile, Aisha was alarmed by her own lack of feminine aspects. She
shouldn’t let her guard down. If she was negligent, then she would end up
losing all the delicious things, so she persuaded herself.

「……Will it…… really be safe?」(Aisha)

「………」(Liscia)

Actually, Liscia was also thinking the same thing as Aisha,
so she couldn’t reply back.

I am now walking while holding Tomoe-chan, my Mythic
Wolf Race stepsibling, passing through Van’s shopping road that was dazzling
under the morning light. Since I had been working to death in the government
affairs office lately, Liscia, who couldn’t let this continue, advised me to
take a full day off-slash-inspection around
the capital. Although, I considered spending my day off rolling around lazily
in my room just like a father enjoying his holiday, I was told “It’s
unhealthy!”, and so Tomoe-chan, who had received Liscia’s order, drag me out to
the outside.

As expected, since this city was former enemy
territory, we were lightly disguised. Since my appearance looks like someone
from the Nine Headed Dragon Archipelago, I wore the garbs of a traveler from
that country with a travelling coat and a conical hat,[3]
just like the appearance of a certain North Wind Youngster[4].
Meanwhile, Tomoe-chan had an appearance like a White Mage from a certain game[5],
with her head covered by the mantle’s hood. In this appearance, our face were
difficult to be seen. Although, I did question whether we really needed to be
in disguise like this,

「Whoa, there are a lot of shops, Nii-sama.」(Tomoe)

……after seeing how Tomoe-chan was in high spirits, I
thought: Well, whatever.[6]

「If there is a shop that piques your interest, should we visit it?」(Souma)

「Yes♪」(Tomoe)

I gently patted Tomoe-chan’s head who replied
energetically. Hah…… I am healed…… The rustling wolf’s ears’ fur that was soft
to the touch made my feelings feel better. I also called out to a person that
was located opposite from Tomoe-chan.

「Juna-san, will this alright for you?」(Souma)

「Yes. If this is what Kazuya-san wills.」(Juna)

Juna-san replied while smiling. For travelling
incognito this time, instead of Aisha who has a conspicuous appearance, it was Juna-san
and the ten elite Marines who will be protecting me from the shadows…… Yup, from
the shadows……

「Umm, Juna-san?」(Souma)

「Yes, what it is?」(Juna)

「……Why are you entwining your arms with me?」(Souma)

While my right hand is patting Tomoe-chan’s head, my
left hand was being entwined by both of Juna-san’s arms. She was really close. Today,
Juna-san was carrying a longsword and wearing a breastplate atop of her cloth
dress, so her appearance was similar to that of an ordinary female adventurer. I
didn’t feel any voluptuous texture[7],
but my hand was warm from the direct contact. Juna-san then made a impish smile
at the flustered me.

「Ah, I can’t do this?」(Juna)

「It doesn’t mean that you can’t do this, but…… Didn’t you say you would protect
me from the shadows?」(Souma)

「We are properly protecting you. Even now, the elite Marines are protecting you
while undercover. They are being on guard at the place that is anticipated to
be a blind spot.」(Juna)

「Even so…… Isn’t Juna-san’s face well known?」(Souma)

The Amidonian Citizens already knew Juna-san’s face
from the music show. Even if it wasn’t to the extent as the dark elf Aisha’s conspicuousness,
won’t there still be someone that can recognize Juna-san’s face right now? When
I mentioned this to her, Juna-san answered while smiling.

「It’s alright. At that time I was wearing makeup, so the impression is
different.」(Juna)

Now that she said it, Juna-san only wore minimalist
makeup today. As a diva, she might need “enchanting makeup” when standing on stage
or in front of the broadcast orb. But even now, Juna-san was naturally
beautiful, without makeup she looked three years younger. Now she looks just
like her age.

「That’s right…… I look older thanks to the make-up.」(Juna)

「No, there is also your demeanor…… Or rather, you are bothered by it,
nonetheless.」(Souma)

「I am a woman, after all…… Your Majesty, do you hate linking arms with me?」(Juna)

Juna-san showed a slightly uneasy expression. Her
face…… How unfair……[8]

「How can I hate it. I highly like it.」(Souma)

「Fufufu, Thank you very much.」(Juna)

「Hafu…… As expected, Juna-san is so beautiful. I yearn to become like
Juna-san.」(Tomoe)

「……I think Tomoe-chan is better staying as the current Tomoe-chan?」(Souma)

I disagree with Tomoe-chan who was looking at Juna-san
with sparkling eyes. Tomoe-chan is also a cute girl, so she would grow up into
a beautiful woman just like Juna-san…… That’s why I beg to you, please always
stay as the pure Tomoe-chan.[9]

In the end, I walked with my right hand holding
Tomoe-chan’s hand, while my left arm entwined with Juna-san’s. Even though, my
true identity wouldn’t be found out in this way, but in exchange, the envious
look from men and the women whispering about what kind of relationship we three
had were painful to endure. As I tried not to think about this, I began conversing
with Juna-san.

「By the way, since Van didn’t have different establishments than Parnam did and
since I also don’t have any places I want to inspect either, did you have a
place you wanted to go?」(Souma)

「When they said that you would go outside to inspect the town for your day
off, I had thought of something.」(Juna)

Juna-san made a wry smile at my workaholic thinking.
Then, Juna-san made a quick glance in Tomoe-chan’s direction and whispered in a
voice that only I could hear.

(「In that case, let’s find a present like a cloth for Tomoe-chan. Since she
is an imouto[10],
then it will be a present from a family member.」) (Juna)

(「Ah, that sounds good.」) (Souma)

Now that she mentioned it, since I was always occupied
in the government affairs office, I haven’t done anything as a brother for her
as an imouto (to be accurate, she is Liscia’s imouto, so she will be my future
sister in law). Even during those times, Tomoe-chan was doing her best in
negotiating with the Rhinosauruses and the Pongos. To pay this debt to her, I
might need to do my best today in spoiling her as much as possible.

(「Juna-san, do you know any place that has the right shop?」)

(「I already did the research. Please leave it to me.」)

Juna-san made a soft smile.

◇ ◇ ◇

The shop that Juna-san recommended was a largish clothing
store on a certain street corner. The smallish signboard was written with a stylish
font with words that meant 『Silver Deer Shop』. From the lined up merchandise on the display window, it seems that not
only do they sell clothes, but shoes and ornaments, too. I didn’t really
understand with my untrained eyes, but the quality of the goods seemed to be
high, so this was a high-class shop. It was a shop that was foreign for someone
like me who only ever wore clothes sold by mass retailers back in Japan.[11]

By the way, ever since coming to this country, I never
experienced wearing something other than what I made myself. Since recently my
sewing skill had increased from creating and maintaining Musashi Boy-kun dolls,
except for the underwear, all the clothes I wore was something that I made. Although
as someone that technically had a high salary and could make an order for
custom-made clothing, I didn’t feel any desire for such luxury again (that
being the case, I invested quite a lot into Musashi Boy-kun for
self-protection). Even the shirt and pants that I wore under this coat were of my
own creation.

「Nii-sama even made something like this, Nii-sama is amazing.」(Tomoe)

「Well since there are no shops that sell clothing that I’m comfortable with.
Well, half of it is because of my hobby.」(Souma)

I felt proud at receiving Tomoe-chan’s respectful
look.

「But, how unexpected. For a fashion shop like this to exist in Amidonia.」(Souma)

「It’s because of Kazuya-san’s influence. During the music show, Kazuya-san
had demonstrated that Amidoniam women may dress nicely now since they are now
part of the Elfrieden Kingdom. If there is a demand, then the business will
appear.」(Juna)

「But as an occupied city, there should be a shortage of goods, right?」(Souma)

「Since there is a Commerce Guild in the city. In the first place, excluding
the food that was in the shortage, the Guild was coordinating the supply of the
goods. For the merchants, they are suppliers for the clients, whether the
clients are the Elfrieden Kingdom or the Amidonia Dukedom.」(Juna)

Juna-san elucidated this fact for me.

「That’s the way things go, huh?......」(Souma)

「Yes. Accordingly, the merchants have weak feelings of belonging to any country.」(Juna)

「Well, that couldn’t be helped, right?」(Souma)

Even if we kept talking in front of the shop, it would
be useless, so we entered the shop and a grey-haired middle aged man who wore a
bartender-like outfit greeted us. Before we knew it, the black-tea scented
dandy middle aged man, stood with closed legs, put his hand over his chest and
made a courtesy bow.

「Welcome. Is this gentlemen a traveler?」(Dandy Old Man)

At those questions, my words became plugged. Revealing
our true identity is out of the question, but how could we explain about the
combination of a man in a conical hat, a beautiful adventurer and furthermore a
wolf-girl in a white hood? While I was thinking about how to answer this,
Juna-san stepped forward.

「Yes. This gentleman is Kazuya-sama, a young master from a silk crepe[12]
store in the Echigo Kingdom, one of the nations in the Nine Headed Dragons
Archipelago Union. This girl is his imouto, Tomoe-sama. Then, I am someone that
they employed to accompany them, please call me “Silvia”. Kazuya-sama is someone
who will succeed the store and he is travelling to various countries to broaden
his knowledge.」(Juna)

She naturally made a smooth speech. Or rather, she still
remembered my random talking as a young master from a silk crepe store in the Echigo
Kingdom that I had said when I came visiting while on a date with Liscia. Even though
I had completely forgotten about what I had said at that time. Also, who is
Silvia? The dandy middle-aged man didn’t made any particular expressions and
just calmly nodded and muttered,

「I see. I am sorry to be late at introducing myself. I am Sebastian, the
manager of this shop.」(Sebastian)

「………」(Souma)

I thought for a moment, isn’t that the name usually
used by a butler? But then I changed my mind as I remembered that Sebastian
isn’t really an exclusive butler name. Sebastian continued his words.

「Well then, what are Sir and Madam looking for today?」(Sebastian)

「Let’s see…… For now I am looking for something that suits my imouto.」(Souma)

「Eh!?」(Tomoe)

I place my hand on the surprised Tomoe-chan’s head and
gently patted her.

「Well just like I said before, please tell me if there is anything that piques
your interest.」(Souma)

After I said these words, Tomoe-chan immediately
turned her sight towards Juna-san, who then nodded and took Tomoe-chan’s hand
as they begun looking at the merchandise. Although she was stiff, Tomoe-chan is
still a girl, and as she looked at the merchandise with Juna-san, it could be
seen that she gradually became engrossed in them. I observed the sight of a
beautiful woman and a cute girl going ‘kyakya ufufu’ and enjoying their
shopping for some time before I began to look over the goods, too.

Clothing, shoes and decorations, furthermore there
were also cosmetics. This shop really sold many different types of merchandise.
It was as if this place was the Amidonian version of 109 (I never went to 109
in Shibuya, though)[13].
Even though the women had became fashion conscious, perhaps since it wasn’t the
age where men pursued fashion, 80% of the store floor was dedicated to women’s
apparel. It seems that this shop only sold great coats for the men’s wear.

There was several types of merchandise that drew my interest.
The first was lipstick. They ranged from a pink color to a lighter color. The
second was hair ornaments. It was made from gold with a small gem that looked
considerably magnificent, even so it had ladybug motif that looked childish and
created an unbalanced feel. The third was a choker. The bluish leather background
was inlayed with silver foil stars, and the gold clasp part was depicting a
bird (phoenix?) opening its wings, so it looked luxurious.

While I was looking around like this, I found myself in
the front of a small loafer for girls. It had a ribbon motif and a brooch
attached to it that made it looks really cute. I wonder if this loafer suits
Tomoe-chan somehow.

「Hey, Tomo-」(Souma)

「Sir customer.」(Sebastian)

When I was about to call out to Tomoe, Sebastian addressed
me from behind. I looked back suspiciously and Sebastian bowed.

「I am sorry for my sudden discourtesy. But Kazuya-sama, may I ask you
something?」(Sebastian)

「…… What is it?」(Souma)

「Let’s suppose you are on the battlefield and are having a war council with gathered
generals.」(Sebastian)

Hah? Battlefield? War council? Why did he suddenly bring
up this topic?

「Let’s assume that the opinion that came at the beginning of that war
council is a good idea. If you are the supreme commander, will you immediately
adopt that idea?」(Sebastian)

「…… No I won’t. I will wonder if there are any other good ideas.」(Souma)

「That’s correct. That’s why, if I am at the general’s side, if I have some
idea that I want to propose, I won’t immediately reveal that idea and will wait
until the discussion has reached the limit.」(Sebastian)

「What I wanted to say is, the bargaining of man and woman is also a battlefield.」(Sebastian)

「……Ah, I see.」(Souma)

Finally, I understood what Sebastian wanted to say. In
other words, it is better for me to wait a bit longer before recommending the
loafer that I thought suited Tomoe-chan. Certainly currently, Juna-san and
Tomoe-chan were enjoying choosing the merchandise. If I brought something good
to them, then I would end up throwing cold water on their pleasant atmosphere. If
they chose what I endorsed, then their happy time would be over and if they
didn’t choose it, then we would end up in an awkward situation. Either situation
wasn’t something that we wanted to happen. I felt admiration towards
Sebastian’s attentiveness.

「You are……a magnificent tactician.」(Souma)

「I feel honored to receive your praise.」(Sebastian)

Sebastian made a respectful bow. I unintentionally
wanted to say, 「Hahaha, this guy.[15]」

「By the way, you used a war council as a reference…… Perhaps you know that
we are……」(Souma)

「Oh my…… Please excuse my rudeness. Actually, I only dealt with high class
people until several days ago, so I still haven’t removed the attitude towards them,
so I ask for your apologies in case you feel offended. My regular client is a
person who loves doing such conversation in this way.」(Sebastian)

「No, I don’t mind it. Is that client perhaps a military man?」(Souma)

「No-no, that client is a really cute small raccoon type of person.」(Sebastian)

Small raccoon (sly person)…… eh? Even the raccoon
manager called that person a small raccoon. I am interested. But anyway, I
stealthily bought several goods without being seen by Juna-san and Tomoe-chan.

◇ ◇ ◇

When we left 『Silver Deer Shop』 it was already past lunch time.

「Ah, Juna-san. Please wait a minute.」(Souma)

While we were walking to find a place for us three to
eat, I called out to Juna-san to stop.

「Is there something that happened?」(Juna)

「This is something that I want to give to Juna-san.」(Souma)

Juna-san tilted her head, 「What is it?」 as I took out a small package. Juna-san received and opened the package,
the content was the ladybug-shaped hair ornament.

「Ah, this is……」(Juna)

「This is the compensation for Juna-san for becominng a shadow under the sun
today.」(Souma)

「But……」(Juna)

「Please take it.」(Souma)

I then took the hair ornament and then put it in
Juna-san’s hair. Hm, just like I thought. The design was too childish for the
usual adult-like Juna-san, but for today’s younger Juna-san, it was as if she
was a girl pretending to be an adult. Extremely lovely.

Although she behaved in adult-like manners, Juna-san
made a rarely seen bright flushed red face. Finally I dealt one point[17]
to the adult-like Juna-san. Juna-san then turned her face away.

「Your Majesty, if Your Majesty gives a present to a woman, please also give
something as well to Princess. It has been decided that Your Majesty would marry
several women, right? In doing so, you must not be partial. Whether Your
Majesty desires to love all the women equally or is just doing political
marriages and doesn’t love all the women from the bottom of your heart, in any
case, it is also an important task for Your Majesty to not let any friction
arise between the women……」(Juna)

She was rapidly talking on and on…… Perhaps this was
her being embarrassed?

「It’s alright. I also properly bought something for Liscia and Aisha.」(Souma)

Whether in pretty decorations or her usual clothing
(even on the battlefield), Liscia preferred things that wouldn’t hinder her
movements, so I chose the blue leather choker that was stylish yet wouldn’t
restrict her. Just like Juna-san, I had also been helped by Aisha before, so I
chose a lipstick that suited her healthy tanned skin. This was something that I
noticed when I hosted the music show, but she seems to be concerned for her
femininity.

「That’s why, don’t worry.」(Souma)

「I-Is that right?」(Juna)

「Yes. By the way, Juna-san?」(Souma)

「……Yes, what is it?」(Juna)

「It’s not “Your Majesty”, but it should be “Kazuya-sama”, right?」(Souma)

「Ah……」(Juna)

Just now, Juna-san referred me as Your Majesty not as
Kazuya-sama. As expected, that rapid talking was her way to hide her embarrassment.
Juna-san made a sullen red face.

「Kazuya-sama…… You are unexpectedly mischievous.」(Juna)

「Is that so?」(Souma)

「Yes. Furthermore, you are an expert in seducing.」(Juna)

While saying so, once more she entwined my left arm. This
time, her embrace was a bit stronger than before. When I looked over my
shoulder, Juna-san was smiling and the head ornament atop her was shining with
a sparkle.

[15]Hoo boy… What
Souma said is:「ハハハこやつめ」. This is
a variant of a Japanese meme that came from a Sankokushi Manga referring to a dialogue
between Cao Cao and Sima Yi.

Cao Cao: Then I will make a Palace that will be as high
as the heavens (天).

Sima Yi: Although a high Palace is also splendid, but
Your Majesty's age will also increase (昇った) and
ascend to the Heavens (昇天
euphemism for death, see the pun?)

Cao Cao: This guy (yatsu is a derogatory, this
bastard)! Hahaha

Sima Yi: Hahaha

The Japanese internet community then use Cao Cao's line
as a response for the situation where a Lower Position does something rude
(familiarly rude, not hostilely rude) to someone in a Higher Position, either
through a joke or advice, but the Higher Position didn’t feel angry and/or has a big heart. Example:

Teacher: Don’t spend the Summer wasting time, alright!

Student: But, Sensei shouldn't spend the Summer alone, too.

Teacher: Hahaha, this guy. (the teacher would get into trouble for referring to the student as yatsu, though.)

[16]Souma didn’t use the usual “–san” in Juna’s
name. This symbolizes that he treats Juna in a more familiar way. This is
complicated…

-Souma: 『I will go for a journey. Please don’t look for me.』Juna :「Kazuya-sama is someone who will succeed the store and he is travelling to various countries to broaden his knowledge.」I love how they matched the setting there.-Of course someone is bound to figure out their real identity lol. What is that "disguise" even... I bet Sebastian was holding his laugh when Juna introduced themselves. It was my turn to laugh when he was like "Oh, OK".-Now I just want to know if Echigo kingdom really exist in the 9-headed dragon archipelago.-HEADPATHEADPATHEADPATHEADPATHEADPATHEADPAT *drolls*-What's up with note [10] Onii-chan? I don't really get this "little sister" reference you're talking about.

Finally a date with the best girl (Juna). I want to see how will Soma will make Carla fall for him (I doubt he will execute her). And one more thing, you asked who was the raccoon girl,the moment I saw "It's:" my mind said "PIKACHU" lol